Boxing glove

This invention relates to the field of boxing gloves.

Boxing gloves are cushioned gloves that are worn by boxers to protect both the wearer's hands and their opponent's body, in particular their opponent's head. Boxing gloves are typically worn over hand wraps. The hand wraps offer additional protection for the wearer's hands, in particular helping to stabilise the first area against injuries.

There are a number of different types of glove and, in particular, a boxer may wear different gloves during practice sessions and training, and during competitions and professional matches. Each of the different types of glove may have different levels of padding, and those gloves worn during competitions must be constructed according to official regulations.

One difference between boxing gloves is the method of securing the gloves to a wearer's hands. Some boxing gloves are of a traditional lace-up style, while the majority of boxing gloves, certainly for training purposes, are secured using hook and loop material (Velcro™). The benefit of lace-up gloves is that the lacing can provide a very good fit of the glove over the wrist and lower arm of the wearer. They do, however, usually require a second person to lace them up, and can be slower to put on and take off. Lace up gloves are the preferred form of boxing glove for professional boxers. Velcro™ boxing gloves have the advantage that the boxer can put them on and take them off by themselves. For this reason Velcro™ boxing gloves are often used for training and practice sessions. While the thick Velcro™ strap can also provide some additional support around the wearer's wrist, these gloves traditionally have slightly less padding around the wrist then lace up gloves. Furthermore, the support around the wearer's wrist is generally reduced compared with lace up gloves.

It is common for a beginner to start with Velcro™ gloves and then progress to lace up gloves at a later stage to obtain the better fit and wrist support. In many cases it is beneficial to buy both types of glove so that the boxer can use the Velcro™ gloves for quick training sessions and the lace up gloves for longer gym-based training sessions and competitions.

Against this background it is desirable to provide a boxing glove that has an improved fit around the wearer's wrist and forearm, thereby providing improved support in this region, but which is easy to put on and take off, and which preferably does not require a second person to assist with the putting on and taking off of the gloves.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

The width of the internal thumb pocket may be no greater than 75% of the external width of the thumb portion. The width of the internal thumb pocket is preferably no greater than 65% of the external width of the thumb portion, and may be about 60% of the external width of the thumb portion. In some examples the internal thumb pocket is closer to an outer edge of the thumb portion furthest from the hand portion than to an inner edge of the thumb portion adjacent the hand portion. In other embodiments the internal thumb pocket is disposed substantially midway across the external width of the thumb portion. The thumb portion may comprise an outer layer and an inner layer. The thumb pocket may, therefore, be formed by the inner layer and not the outer layer, and the inner layer may be secured to the outer layer to maintain the position of the thumb pocket relative to the outer layer.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

The boxing glove may further comprise a guide element. The wrist strap may be looped around the guide element when the cuff strap is wrapped around the cuff portion. The guide element is preferably in the form of a buckle loop through which the wrist strap extends when the first securing element is engaged with the second securing element. The guide element may be secured to an end of the wrist strap. The guide element may be secured to the cuff portion.

A length of the cuff portion may be defined between the hand portion and an end edge of the cuff portion. In some examples a width of the wrist strap in a direction parallel to the length of the cuff portion is substantially less than the length of the cuff portion. The width of the wrist strap may be less than half the length of the cuff portion. In preferred examples the wrist strap is adjacent the hand portion. In some examples a width of the cuff strap in a direction parallel to the length of the cuff portion is equal to the length of the cuff portion.

The wrist strap may form a complete loop around the cuff portion when the second securing element is engaged with the third securing element. The first securing element may be disposed at an end of the wrist strap and the second securing element may be disposed at an end of the cuff strap.

The third securing element may be disposed on a dorsal section of the cuff portion arranged to extend over a back of the wearer's wrist. In some examples the wrist strap extends through a channel between a part of the third securing element and the dorsal section of the cuff portion.

Each of the first securing element, second securing element and third securing element may comprise one of hook and loop material. In some examples, when the second securing element is engaged with the third securing element more than 50% of the wrist strap is covered by the cuff strap. In some examples the boxing glove may comprise two or more wrist straps, the wrist straps being spaced along the length of the cuff portion defined between the hand portion and an end edge of the cuff portion. The second securing element may include indicia indicating a distance from an end of the cuff strap adjacent the second securing element.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a method of putting on a boxing glove comprising:

An aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

The grip bar may comprise a first elongate edge and an opposite second elongate edge, each of the elongate edges extending between the first and second ends, the first elongate edge being disposed closer to the cuff portion than the second elongate edge, and the second elongate edge being curved. The second elongate edge may have a concave curvature.

In some examples the grip bar comprises a first end edge at the first end of the grip bar and a second end edge at the second end of the grip bar, and a length of the first end edge is smaller than a length of the second end edge. In some examples the grip bar may be curved along an axis of the grip bar extending between the first and second ends. An angle between the end edge of the cuff portion and an axis of the grip bar extending between the first and second ends may be greater than 20°. The angle between the end edge of the cuff portion and the axis of the grip bar may be greater than 30°. In some examples the grip bar is disposed between an outer layer of the boxing glove and a lining layer of the boxing glove. The grip bar is preferably disposed between two longitudinal rows of stitching that extend along the length of the grip bar and two rows of stitching extending transverse to the longitudinal rows of stitching, the rows of stitching joining the outer layer to the lining layer thereby creating a closed pocket within which the grip bar is disposed.

In some examples the boxing glove may further comprise a curved seam between the first portion and the palm region of the hand portion. A distance between the second elongate edge and the curved seam at the first end of the grip bar may be smaller than a distance between the second elongate edge and the curved seam at the second end of the grip bar.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

A first line of stitching may extend along and adjacent a first edge of the panel of padding, between the panel of padding and the volar section, and a second line of stitching may extend along and adjacent a second edge of the panel of padding, between the panel of padding and the dorsal section.

In some examples the panel of padding may be disposed in a radial edge region of the cuff portion and extend between the thumb portion and the end edge, so that, in use, the panel of padding limits abduction of the wearer's wrist. The cuff portion of the boxing glove preferably extends from the hand portion in a length direction, and each of the volar section and the dorsal section preferably extends between a radial edge region and an ulnar edge region or the ulnar edge region. Preferably, a length of the cuff portion at the radial edge region is greater than a length of the cuff portion at the ulnar edge region. In other examples the panel of padding may be disposed in an ulnar edge region of the cuff portion, so that, in use, the panel of padding limits adduction of the wearer's wrist.

In some examples the end edge is curved between the radial edge region and the ulnar edge region, the curvature being at least partly in a plane including an axis extending parallel to the length direction. The curvature of the end edge is preferably concave.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

In some embodiments each lace receiving passage comprises an elongate tube having a first lateral side disposed adjacent the respective edge of the split and a second lateral side disposed further from said edge, and each tube includes a plurality of apertures disposed along the length of the tube through which, in use, a lace may enter and exit a bore of the tube. The apertures are preferably spaced apart along the second lateral side of the tube. The apertures of a first one of the elongate tubes are preferably aligned with the apertures of a second one of the elongate tubes.

In other examples each lace receiving passage comprises a plurality of separate tubular lugs, each tubular lug being connected to an edge of the split and an axis of each of the tubular lugs extending substantially parallel to the edge of the split to which the lug is connected. Gaps between a first set of lugs connected to a first one of the opposing edges of the split are preferably aligned with gaps between a second set of lugs connected to a second one of the opposing edges of the split.

The boxing glove may further comprise a lace received in and extending through the lace receiving passages. The lace may extend through the lace receiving passages such that the boxing glove is laced according to army-style or bow-tie lacing methods. In some examples the second lateral sides of the elongate tubes are in contact with each other when the lace is in a tightened configuration. In other examples each of the lugs of the first set of lugs is in contact with a corresponding one of the lugs of the second set of lugs when the lace is in a tightened configuration.

The boxing glove may comprise a plurality of guide channels extending across the dorsal section of the cuff portion. Preferably the boxing glove comprises at least five guide channels. At least two of the guide channels may cross to form an X-shape. Each of the guide channels may be formed by lines of stitching extending across the dorsal section of the cuff portion. Each of the guide channels preferably extends fully across the width of the dorsal section between a radial edge and an ulnar edge.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

The end edge may be curved between the radial edge region and the ulnar edge region, the curvature being at least partly in a plane including an axis extending parallel to the length direction. The curvature of the end edge may be concave.

In some examples the boxing glove further comprises a panel of padding extending through the cuff portion, the panel of padding extending in a first direction between the hand portion and the end edge and in a second direction between the volar section and the dorsal section. A first line of stitching may extend along and adjacent a first edge of the panel of padding, between the panel of padding and the volar section, and a second line of stitching may extend along and adjacent a second edge of the panel of padding, between the panel of padding and the dorsal section. The panel of padding may be disposed in a radial edge region of the cuff portion and extend between the thumb portion and the end edge, so that, in use, the panel of padding limits abduction of the wearer's wrist. In other examples the panel of padding may be disposed in an ulnar edge region of the cuff portion, so that, in use, the panel of padding limits adduction of the wearer's wrist.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a boxing glove comprising:

In some examples the inner panel comprises an outer layer and a lining layer, and the palm region comprises an outer layer and a lining layer. The outer layer of the inner panel may be joined to the outer layer of the palm region by an open seam, and a free edge of the outer layer of the inner panel and a free edge of the outer layer of the palm region may be disposed on an internal side of the outer layer. The lining layer of the inner panel may be joined to the lining layer of the palm region by an open seam, and a free edge of the lining layer of the inner panel and a free edge of the lining layer of the palm region may be disposed on an external side of the lining layer. At least one of the lining layers is preferably attached to at least one of the outer layers so that the free edges of both the lining layers and the outer layers are disposed between the lining layers and the outer layers.

In another aspect a boxing glove comprises a hand portion for receiving the fingers and palm of a wearer's hand; a thumb portion for receiving the wearer's thumb; and a proximal thumb seam disposed between the hand portion and the thumb portion, wherein the thumb portion is attached to the hand portion along a length of the thumb portion adjacent the proximal thumb seam and between the proximal thumb seam and a distal tip of the thumb portion.

The thumb portion may be directly attached to the hand portion such that there is no gap between a proximal region of the thumb portion adjacent the proximal thumb seam and the hand portion. In some examples there may be a gap between a distal region of the thumb portion adjacent the tip of the thumb portion and the hand portion, and in these examples the boxing glove preferably further comprises a tie strap extending between the tip of the thumb portion and the hand portion to limit separation of the tip of the thumb portion from the hand portion. Preferably the thumb portion is attached to the hand portion along at least half of the length of the thumb portion between the proximal thumb seam and the tip of the thumb portion. In some examples the thumb portion may be attached to the hand portion along the full length of the thumb portion between the proximal thumb seam and the tip of the thumb portion.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

illustrate a boxing gloveaccording to a first preferred example. The boxing glovecomprises a hand portionand a cuff portion. In use, a boxer or wearer of the glovewill insert their hand into the hand portionof the gloveand the cuff portionwill extend around and surround their wrist and, typically, a part of their forearm.

The hand portioncomprises a fist portion, a palm regionand a back region. With a wearer's hand correctly inserted in the hand portionof the glove, the fist portionis configured to receive the wearer's fingers, the palm regionextends over the wearer's palm, and the back regionextends over the back of the wearer's hand. The palm regionextends between the fist portionand the cuff portion. The back regionextends between the fist portionand the cuff portion.

An outer, striking surfaceof the fist portionextends from and is continuous with the back region. An inner surface(shown in) of the fist portionextends from and is continuous with the palm region. It will be understood that the fist portionof the gloveis formed and shaped such that the wearer's fingers curl to form a first as they are inserted into the hand portion. In this way, the outer striking surfacehas a generally convex curvature and the inner surfacehas a generally concave curvature. As shown most clearly in, there is a seambetween the inner surfaceof the fist portionand the palm region. This seam is preferably curved.

The hand portionfurther comprises a thumb portionfor receiving the wearer's thumb. The thumb portionhas a proximal endconnected to and between the palm regionand the back region. The thumb portionextends in a direction towards the fist portionand a distal endof the thumb portionis disposed adjacent a first edge or index edgeof the first portion. It will be understood that the index edgeof the fist portionis disposed adjacent to the wearer's index finger when the wearer's hand is inserted into the glove.

In this example the thumb portioncomprises an inner panel, extending generally from the palm region, and an outer panel, extending generally from the back region. An edge seamextends around the thumb portionand joins the inner panelto the outer panel. The edge seamcomprises an outer edge section, a tip sectionand an inner edge section. A proximal thumb seamextends around the proximal endof the thumb portionto join the thumb portionto the palm regionand the back region. A palm sectionof the proximal thumb seamextends between the inner paneland the palm regionand a back sectionof the proximal thumb seamextends between the outer paneland the back region.

Referring now to, in this example the boxing glovefurther comprises a tie strapextending between the distal endof the thumb portionand the fist portion. The tie strappreferably extends between the tip sectionof the edge seamof the thumb portionand a part of the fist portionat or adjacent the index edge. The tie straplimits the distance that the distal end of the thumb portioncan be moved in a direction away from the fist portionof the glove. This minimises accidental injuries to the thumb of the wearer. This feature may be known in the art as an attached thumb.

In the illustrated example the thumb portionis additionally secured to the fist portionalong a length of the thumb portion. In particular, the thumb portionis secured to the fist portionfor a distance between the proximal thumb seamand the distal endof the thumb portion. In this example, a gapbetween the thumb portionand the index edgeof the first portion, shown most clearly in, does not extend all the way to the proximal thumb seam. In this way, a first proximal section of the thumb portionis secured to the fist portionso that there is no gap between the thumb portionand the fist portion, and a second distal section of the thumb portionis not directly secured to the first portion so that there is a gapbetween the thumb portionand the fist portion. The gapextends, in particular, in this example, between the tie strapand an end of the proximal section of the thumb portionapproximately halfway along a length of the thumb portion.

To allow the thumb portionto be secured to the fist portionin this way, in this example a width of the thumb portion(between the inner edge sectionand the outer edge sectionof the edge seam) is larger than in prior art boxing gloves. The width of the thumb portionis enlarged to effectively fill in the gap between the thumb portion and the first portion that otherwise exists in prior art boxing gloves.

It is undesirable to change the angle at which the thumb portionextends from the palm and back regions,of the hand portion, as this would place a wearer's thumb in an unnatural position relative to their fingers as they form a first in the glove. However, it is also undesirable to allow excessive freedom of movement of a wearer's thumb inside the glove. This may lead to strain or injury during use of the glove. Accordingly, in the present example the thumb portionincludes an internal thumb pocketindicated by the dashed lines in. The thumb pocketis shaped and sized to receive the wearer's thumb without permitting excessive movement of the thumb. The thumb pocketis disposed adjacent an outer edge of the thumb portion; in this example adjacent the outer edge sectionof the edge seam. A width of the thumb pocket, in a direction parallel to the width of the thumb portion, is less than the width of the thumb portion. In this way there is an internal region of the thumb portion adjacent an inner edge of the thumb portion(in this example adjacent the inner edge sectionof the edge seam) that is inaccessible to any part of the wearer's hand.

It has been found that directly securing the thumb portionto the fist portionas described above, so as to minimise or reduce the gapbetween the thumb portionand the first portion, improves the aerodynamics of the glove. In particular the drag or air resistance on the gloveis reduced as it is moved through the air, for example during a punch. This allows increased acceleration of the glove through the air during a punch compared with known glove designs. This may result in a wearer or boxer being able to punch with greater force with little or no increase in effort.

Securing the thumb portionto the fist portionin this way also further reduces or minimises the likelihood of injury to the wearer's thumb, as there is less opportunity for the wearer's thumb to move relative to the rest of their hand once correctly positioned in the glove.

Referring now to, the boxing glovefurther includes a hand bar or grip bar. The grip barextends transversely across the palm regionadjacent the fist portion. The grip baris elongate and extends across the palm regionfrom a first endproximate an outer edgeof the palm regionto a second endproximate the index edgeof the first portion. The grip barcomprises a length of padding around which a wearer curls their fingers when forming a fist. The inclusion of a grip barmay make it easier and more comfortable for the wearer to make a fist. The grip baris preferably made from a polymeric material in the form of a dense foam.

The grip barextends across the palm regionsuch that the second endof the grip baris closer to the fist portionand further from the cuff portionthan the first endof the grip bar. This angling of the grip baracross the palm regionmeans that when a wearer forms a fist around the grip barthe base knuckles (metacarpo phalangeal joints) of their first finger and middle finger are forced further forward (in a direction away from their wrist) relative to the base knuckles of their ring finger and little finger.

In this example the grip baris curved between the first and second ends,. The grip baris curved about an axis of curvature such that a straight line extending between mid-points of the first and second ends,of the grip barlies closer to the fist portionthan a central section of a curved centre-line extending along the length of the grip barbetween the first and second ends,. The shape of the grip bar, together with the curved seam between the fist portionand the palm region, allows a wearer's fingers to form a more natural fist. In particular, this combination of features creates space for the wearer's little finger to properly grip the grip bar.